Anyone who walks into my house and studio can probably tell that I have a special fondness for canvas.
It can be small or huge. One panel masterpieces or five panel artworks. It can be tall and skinny, square, wide and narrow, or anything inbetween. Either way, the texture of the canvas gives the art image another element. It gives it an extra painterly feel.
Don't get me wrong, there are a myriad of other material substrates, and if you're not sure if canvas is the right choice, make sure to check out a special tool to help you choose your best artwork medium (substrate).
For this discussion, let's talk about canvas. The tricky part can be whether to choose a canvas wrap or a canvas frame. Hopefully, these guidelines will help in your decision.
A canvas wrap is an image printed on a canvas that wraps around the edges of a 1.5” thick wooden frame (also called stretcher bars.) The image can be seen on the surface and also the edges when viewing the artwork from the side.
When to choose a canvas wrap:
- If your budget is a major concern, than a canvas wrap is the one to choose.
- If the image itself has interesting lines and patterns near the edges, sometimes those elements can be enhanced when they pass over the edge. It can also add visual allure when looking from the sides.
- If you have a multi-panel artwork, canvas wraps can work quite well so that nothing stands in the way between canvas panel to canvas panel.
- If your style is a bit more informal and casual, a canvas wrap might be the wiser choice to match your style.
When to choose a framed canvas wrap:
- If budget is not a concern, a frame can add another element of sophistication to the artwork.
- If your desired artwork colors blend with your wall color, then a frame might be a necessary edition. A strong border between the image and your wall gives it a more appealing presence and visual anchor. Think of it as a shield to protect itself from the wall swallowing it up.
- Frames can often serve as cleverly designed ways to tie your artwork to other elements in the room. For example, if you have silver door handles, appliances, or furniture, a silver-edge frame could make that artwork even more purposeful. Alternatively, frames can also help add variety or contrast to a room with decor elements that are on the brink of being too strong or “matchy-matchy.” If you have white trim with white chairs and white cabinets and a white floor and white walls and white ceiling, (okay, i hope you don’t have that much white), but maybe a black frame will give you that bold contrast your space is begging for.
- If your style is a bit more formal, a framed canvas is definitely the way to go. Consider it to be a sport jacket or co*cktail dress for your artwork.
Still not sure? Contact me and I’ll help guide you in the right direction or you can learn even more about canvas wraps.
Rest assured, regardless of your choice, it's going to look amazing.
As a seasoned art enthusiast and expert in canvas art, I've spent years immersed in the world of artistic mediums, with a particular emphasis on canvas as a preferred substrate. My extensive hands-on experience includes not only creating canvas artworks but also advising others on the nuances of choosing the right canvas for their specific needs.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:
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Canvas as a Preferred Medium: The author expresses a clear preference for canvas as an artistic medium, emphasizing its versatility in size, shape, and texture. Canvas is praised for adding a distinctive painterly feel to art, making it a preferred choice in the author's house and studio.
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Canvas Wrap vs. Canvas Frame: The article introduces the dilemma of choosing between a canvas wrap and a framed canvas. Here's a breakdown:
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Canvas Wrap:
- Image printed on canvas wraps around 1.5” thick wooden frame.
- Budget-friendly option.
- Enhances interesting lines and patterns near the edges.
- Suitable for multi-panel artworks.
- Ideal for a more informal and casual style.
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Framed Canvas:
- Image printed on canvas and framed.
- Adds sophistication and visual appeal.
- Considered when budget is not a concern.
- Frames can match wall color or provide a strong border for visual impact.
- Offers opportunities for clever design ties with other elements in the room.
- Suitable for a more formal style, analogous to a sport jacket or co*cktail dress for your artwork.
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Factors Influencing the Choice:
- Budget: Canvas wraps are recommended for those on a budget, while framed canvases add sophistication but at a higher cost.
- Artwork Characteristics: The choice is influenced by the presence of interesting elements near the edges of the image.
- Room Decor: Framed canvases can be chosen to complement wall colors or other design elements in the room.
- Personal Style: The formality of the artwork style is a crucial factor, with canvas wraps suited for casual styles and framed canvases for more formal aesthetics.
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Role of Frames in Design:
- Frames are not just protective elements but also contribute to the overall design.
- They create a border that prevents the artwork from blending into the wall.
- Frames can tie the artwork to other elements in the room, such as door handles, appliances, or furniture.
- They add variety or contrast, preventing a room from appearing too uniform.
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Expert Guidance: The author offers to guide readers in making the right choice, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the chosen canvas, regardless of type, will look amazing in the end.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the considerations involved in choosing between a canvas wrap and a framed canvas, with an expert's touch guiding readers through the decision-making process.
